July 1, 2009

Call to Action: Urge Congress to end the siege of Gaza

Please contact your congressman and senators and urge them to speak out against the Israeli blockade of the Gaza Strip. Contact information can be found here.

(For more information on the blockade, and its devastating consequences, read Sara Roy’s “If Gaza falls…”)

Here’s the email message I sent (and, of course, feel free to copy this if you wish):

Dear Congressman Perlmutter,

I'm a Jewish-American and a supporter of much that you’re trying to accomplish. I ask you now to speak out against the Israeli blockade of the Gaza Strip. Undoubtedly you're aware of the horrific humanitarian crisis which exists in Gaza -- and yet the Israeli government refuses to allow a sufficient amount of food, medical supplies, and building materials into the area. Just yesterday, the Israeli navy prevented a relief boat, carrying medical supplies and building materials, from entering Gaza:

Congressman Perlmutter, I’m sure you agree that this is a moral outrage, and I urge you to stand up for the basic rights of the Palestinian people.

Respectfully,Don Emmerich

Now I know things often seem hopeless. But we really can make a difference, as we demonstrated in last year’s campaign against House Resolution 362, which called for the U.S. to impose a blockade on Iran.

Yes, I really think we can make a difference here. President Obama has called for Israel to stop its illegal settlement expansion in the West Bank. And Congress knows that American support for Israeli brutality is finally beginning to wane. So the momentum just might be on our side.

So please—please—please—contact your congressman and senators and urge them to speak out against the Israeli blockade.